People can voluntarily pay National Insurance contributions to increase their state pension (Image: Getty)
HMRC has issued a warning about paying National Insurance contributions towards your after a query from a taxpayer.
The individual contacted the authority over X to query: “I have paid over £400 to add to my contribution years – that was three months ago, it still isn’t showing on my record.”
Now is a good time to top up your National Insurance (NI) contributions as you can currently do so as far back as the 2006/2007 tax year, whereas usually you can only do so up to six years ago.
You can top up over this extended period until April 2025 so it’s a good idea to fill in the form sooner rather than later.
said in response to the customer: “We’re unable to check the timescale here. It can take some time to update – you may want to speak to the NI helpline if you’d like them to check.”
The number to call for National Insurance general queries is 0300 200 3500 and the line is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
The taxpayer replied to say they had called up about the issue but “still nothing on my NI account”.
You can find out how much you are forecast to receive using this tool on the .
A person typically needs 35 years of full NI contributions to full , which is currently £221.20 a week.
To get the full basic , which currently pays £169.50 a week, you usually need 35 years of contributions.
Don’t miss…
Experts at wealth firm Hargreaves Lansdown recently issued a warning for those thinking of topping up. Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis, said: “Check with the Future Pension Centre before handing over any money to make sure you will benefit.
“If you have been contracted out of the state second pension at some point in your working life for instance, you will have paid less National Insurance, which can affect your entitlement.”
You can call the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175, who can also tell you how much you are on track to get. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Another factor to consider when working out how much extra you could get by topping up is that payments increase each April in line with the .
Next year, payments will rise 4.1 percent, increasing the full new to £230.30 a week and the full basic to £176.45 a week.